Therapy for Anxiety
in Chicago & Orlando
Meet Our Anxiety Therapists
Yuliya Ihlitskaya
PMHNP-BC
Yuliya is a Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and sleep disorders. She is also certified in SkinPen micro needling.
Raymond Bryant
PMHNP-BC
Raymond is a Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and sleep disorders.
Dr. Michelle Dees
Board Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Dees is a Board Certified Washington University-trained Psychiatrist, who specializes in treating anxiety, mood disorders, and depression with the use of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).
Alan Stuart
Board-certified Physician Assistant
Alan is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2020 and is trained in General Psychiatry, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and sleep disorders. He is fluent in English and Russian.
Zach Schreiber
PA-C
Zach is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He graduated from Frostburg State University in 2021 and is trained in General Psychiatry, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and sleep disorders. Additionally, he practices Emergency Medicine as a Physician Assistant.
Pearle Olatunji
PMHNP-BC
Pearle is a psychiatric nurse practitioner graduate who specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Kalindi Patel
PMHNP-BC
Kalindi is a psychiatric nurse practitioner graduate who specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Mandy Lusung
PMHNP-BC
Mandy is a psychiatric nurse practitioner graduate who specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Jennifer Buggeln
LCSW
Jennifer is a trained licensed clinical social worker specializing in helping individuals manage mood disorders, self-esteem, anxiety, relationship dynamics, grief, loss, coping with stress, and life transitions.
Jennifer utilizes evidenced-based practices including CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, Motivation Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Lyn Matsey
LCSW
Lynjunita “Lyn” is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in mental health treatment and demonstrated clinical management, education and training, and therapeutic counseling skills.
She is also a certified case manager, with over 16 years of experience, working with clients with behavioral health conditions utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychosocial therapeutic techniques.
Her specializations include the treatment of depression, mood and anxiety disorders, and crisis intervention.
Kelli Farlow
LCSW
Kelli is a University of Chicago trained licensed clinical social worker specializing in helping individuals manage mood disorders, self-esteem, anxiety, relationship dynamics, grief, loss, coping with stress, and life transitions.
Kelli utilizes evidenced-based practices including DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, Motivation Interviewing (MI), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Alison Chruscinski
LCSW, CTTP
Alison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Trauma Treatment Professional with over a decade of experience.
Alison works to create a judgment-free, safe environment using a strength-based, holistic approach to meet clients’ individual needs.
She incorporates a supportive, solution-focused, trauma-informed approach to help clients challenge unhealthy patterns holding them back from reaching their goals.
Alison has extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), though this is just one of the many tools in her toolbox.
Specialties:
PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions. To schedule an appointment with Alison please call 773-442-2484.
Samantha Schachter
LPC
Samantha recently graduated from DePaul University as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is supervised by Dr. Michelle Dees.
Samantha has a wide range of experiences with depression, anxiety/phobias, and mood disorders.
She practices from a strengths-based approach and utilizes CBT.
She believes that each individual needs to be reminded of their worth, the obstacles they’ve overcome, the strengths they possess, and the resilience that lies within them.
Taylor McDowell
PA-C
Taylor is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He graduated from Frostburg State University in 2021 and is trained in General Psychiatry including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and sleep disorders.
Appointments are in person for all initial and annual appointments for the completion of paperwork. Please allow 60-90 minutes. Tele Medicine appointments can be available for routine follow-ups subject to the provider. Tele Medicine is subject to change depending on insurance guidelines. Book appointments online or download our mobile app. We do not communicate via text or email other than appointment reminders. *
*All Florida patients will be seen (Central Standard Time | CST).
*If you’re asking or are on a controlled substance, the first and yearly appointments must be in person. Follow-up appointments can be made via telemedicine.
Treating You, Not Anxiety
At Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, we understand that anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all condition. That’s why our dedicated team of professionals offers a comprehensive range of therapy options for those struggling with anxiety in Chicago and Orlando. Whether you’re experiencing generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic attacks, or any other form of anxiety, our goal is to provide you with a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and challenges.
Our approach to anxiety therapy is grounded in evidence-based practices, combining traditional psychotherapy techniques with innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. We believe in treating the individual, not just the symptoms, offering a holistic approach that may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and stress management techniques. At Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, we are committed to helping you find your path to a calmer, more centered life, free from the grips of anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural and common response to stress, characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear about what’s to come. However, when these feelings become overwhelming, persistent, and negatively impact daily life, they may signal an anxiety disorder. These disorders vary widely in their specifics but share the common thread of excessive, irrational fear and dread. From social anxiety disorder, where interactions with others can trigger intense fear, to generalized anxiety disorder, characterized by chronic, exaggerated worry about everyday activities, understanding anxiety is the first step toward managing its effects on your life.
We invite you to learn more about anxiety, its different types, and how we treat it here at Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa.
Treating Anxiety with Therapy
Effective management of anxiety disorders involves a comprehensive therapeutic approach, tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Therapy services, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), has been widely recognized as a cornerstone in the treatment of anxiety. CBT focuses on identifying, understanding, and changing thinking and behavior patterns. Patients are taught techniques to challenge irrational fears and negative thought patterns, providing them with practical skills to manage and reduce their anxiety symptoms.
In addition to CBT, other therapeutic modalities such as exposure therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) play significant roles in treating anxiety. Exposure therapy gently encourages patients to face their fears in a controlled and safe environment, helping them gradually reduce their anxiety response. MBSR incorporates mindfulness practices to help individuals stay present and reduce overall stress, while ACT helps patients to accept their thoughts and feelings instead of fighting against them. This multifaceted approach ensures a more holistic and effective treatment strategy for those struggling with anxiety, offering pathways to a more balanced and anxiety-free life.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for anxiety that focuses on identifying, challenging, and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It empowers individuals to recognize distortions in their thinking, understand how these thoughts affect their feelings and behaviors, and learn coping strategies to deal with anxiety-provoking situations. CBT is practical, structured, and often involves homework assignments to practice skills learned in therapy sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed to help people manage overwhelming emotions, reduce anxiety levels, and improve their ability to handle stress. It combines strategies from cognitive-behavioral therapy with concepts of mindfulness, acceptance, and emotion regulation. DBT is particularly effective for individuals who experience intense emotional responses and is often used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. This therapy emphasizes commitment to taking action that aligns with personal values, thereby helping individuals live a more meaningful life despite the presence of anxiety. ACT integrates aspects of mindfulness and helps patients to develop psychological flexibility, which is key to adapting to stressful situations.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a therapeutic approach that teaches mindfulness meditation as a way to manage stress and anxiety. It focuses on the present moment, encouraging patients to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. MBSR programs typically involve guided meditations, breathing exercises, and yoga, aiming to improve mental and physical well-being by reducing symptoms of anxiety and increasing emotional resilience.
How Effective Is Therapy for Anxiety?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been extensively researched and is highly effective for treating a range of anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and specific phobia. The article highlights that CBT, encompassing both exposure and cognitive techniques, has shown significant efficacy in improving symptoms of anxiety and enhancing the quality of life for patients. Exposure therapy, a key component of CBT, involves confronting the feared object, situation, or internal sensation in a controlled manner, which has been shown to be highly effective across anxiety disorders. Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and modifying distorted cognitions and maladaptive beliefs related to anxiety disorders, further contributing to the treatment’s effectiveness.
The above article underscores that despite the diversity in CBT protocols, the underlying principles of exposure and cognitive restructuring remain central to its success in treating anxiety disorders. Moreover, it calls for more dismantling studies to identify which specific components of CBT contribute most significantly to its effectiveness and to better understand which patients are most likely to benefit from specific treatment components. Overall, the empirical evidence supports CBT’s efficacy and effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone in the therapeutic management of these conditions.
Online Anxiety Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy
Online anxiety therapy offers several advantages, including increased accessibility for individuals living in remote areas or those with mobility issues, and greater convenience and flexibility in scheduling. Furthermore, the privacy and comfort of receiving therapy from one’s own home can be particularly appealing for individuals with anxiety disorders, who may find leaving their safe spaces challenging. However, it’s important to note that while online therapy has been found effective for many, it might not suit everyone. Factors such as personal preference, the severity of the anxiety disorder, and the quality of the internet connection can influence the effectiveness of online therapy.
In contrast, in-person therapy provides a traditional therapeutic experience that many find invaluable. The physical presence of a therapist can create a sense of safety and connection that is difficult to replicate online. This face-to-face interaction can facilitate deeper emotional processing and provide immediate support during difficult moments. Additionally, therapists can better observe non-verbal cues and body language, which can be crucial in understanding a patient’s emotional state.
We offer both online and in-person therapy options for anxiety. This flexibility ensures that individuals seeking help can choose the format that best suits their needs, preferences, and lifestyle, ensuring they receive the most effective treatment for their anxiety disorders.
Find Help for Your Anxiety with Luxury Psychiatry
Finding help for anxiety can feel like a daunting task, but at Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, we aim to make this journey as comforting and effective as possible. Recognizing the profound impact anxiety can have on your daily life, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care tailored to meet your individual needs. With a team of highly experienced professionals, we offer a wide range of treatment options including psychotherapy, psychiatry, and innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, ensuring that you receive the most effective and up-to-date care.
Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or seeking additional support, Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa is here to help. We understand the importance of finding a treatment approach that resonates with you personally, which is why we offer both online and in-person therapy options. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and develop strategies to manage your anxiety. Let us be your partner in navigating this path toward a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Reach out today to begin your journey to overcoming anxiety with Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa.
